Photo by Gustavo Fring
For some time now, there has been a resoundingly negative attitude towards beauty products which describe themselves as “scrubs “. This is largely thanks to certain brands (which will remain nameless) who used harsh physical exfoliants such as crushed up apricot stones to exfoliate the skin. While there is no question that rubbing something sharp over your skin isn’t a great idea, as it will cause micro tears in your epidermis and potential permanent damage or infection, not all scrubs are created equal and there are some fantastic products on the market which go along way to repairing the reputation of the humble scrub. Here are five of our favourite scrubs for both your face and your body:
Dermalogica Thermafoliant Body Scrub
Dermalogica Thermafoliant Body Scrub is a dual-action exfoliating scrub that dissolves dulling dead skin cells, hydrates, and delivers vital antioxidants leaving skin purified and refreshed. It’s suitable for all skin types and will make your skin more receptive to moisturisation if you want to follow it up with a hydrating body cream. The exfoliation comes courtesy of Indian bamboo stem, which physically exfoliates to refine skin texture and brighten tone.
Aromatherapy Associates Mattifying Purifying Facial Scrub
This facial scrub from Aromatherapy Associates is designed for oily skin and will draw out and eliminate dead skin-clogging cells. It contains corn granules, which work to gently buff away unwanted cells while natural clay draws impurities from deeper within pores. Finally, it contains rebalancing essential oils of geranium and petitgrain to tighten and reduce shine. Perfect for teenage and spot-prone skin.
Decleor Green Mandarin Exfoliating 2 in 1 Scrub Mask
This product from Decleor is truly multifunctional – it contains natural sugars which gently exfoliate the skin and carrot extract for an instant sheer tint. As the name suggests, it also contains oil which is found naturally in the peel of the green mandarin and has strong antioxidant compounds called terpenes which pair with free radicals to protect the skin and prevent skin ageing. It can be used as a scrub to simply exfoliate the skin and remove dead cells or left on for up to five minutes as a mask to allow the ingredients to give you maximum benefits.
Medik8 Pore Refining Scrub
This pore refining scrub from Medik8 packs a double punch as it contains both chemical and physical exfoliants to really rid your skin of dulling dead cells. Salicylic and mandelic acid dissolve deep-seated impurities and oil to decongest and tighten pores, while natural jojoba grains gently slough away dead skin cells to help perfect the texture of the complexion. Pores are left virtually undetectable and skin feels soft, smooth and supple.
UpCircle Coffee Face Scrub-Citrus Blend
If you like your beauty products to be as kind to the planet as they are to your skin, then this scrub from UpCircle should really appeal to you. It contains recycled coffee grounds which have been sourced from artisan coffee shops to help buff away dry skin. It’s formulated for dry, dehydrated skin types and contains rosehip, sweet orange and lemon essential oil to reveal a glowing complexion, whilst shea butter will keep your skin moisturised and nourished afterwards.